Kathryn McDermott Named Interim Director of Economic and Property Development

City Manager Patrick H. West today named Kathryn McDermott, a highly qualified executive with more than 30 years of experience in business development and real estate, as Interim Director of Economic and Property Development. Ms. McDermott’s appointment is effective today.

“Kathryn has a proven track record of success, and she will be a great addition to our executive team,” said Mr. West. “She will work diligently to enable future investment and development opportunities that help to bolster our economy.”

Ms. McDermott served as Deputy Executive Director for the Port of Los Angeles from 2007 to 2014, overseeing Real Estate, Business and Trade Development, and Planning and Economic Development. She has also worked as a Consultant; Director of Properties for the Port of Long Beach; and Real Estate Area Manager for Southern Pacific Railroad.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity to be back with the City of Long Beach, and I’m looking forward to continuing the important work of strengthening our economy along with our neighborhoods,” said Ms. McDermott.

Her responsibilities will include enhancing the City’s focus on facilitating business in Long Beach, and helping to sell and develop former Redevelopment Agency parcels now owned by the City through the Long Beach Successor Agency Long Range Property Management Plan. These developments are being designed to enhance economic development opportunities adjacent to the properties, generate new jobs, increase property tax revenues, and eliminate blighting influences. She will also oversee the City’s lease with Urban Commons to operate the Queen Mary and develop the 45 acres of surrounding land.

Ms. McDermott is replacing Mike Conway, who retired today as Director of Economic and Property Development. Mr. Conway also served as Director of Public Works and Acting Director of Community Development during his career with the City.

“Mike has done a tremendous job for the City of Long Beach, and I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication improving our entire community these past 14 years,” said Mr. West.

Ms. McDermott holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She lives in Long Beach.

The City is conducting a national search for the permanent Director and is expected to select a new Director in the next several weeks.